Dengram… resplendent in all her glory

Dennis Memorial Grammar School (D.M.G.S), Onitsha, popularly known as Dengram, gracefully sits in her pride of place at the popular junction linking Awka Road with Ozalla, New Market and Oguta Roads in the commercial City of Onitsha. One of the lasting vestiges of the missions work in Nigeria, the unique red bricks glitters under the tropical sun as you drive by, unwittingly drawing your attention to the architectural masterpiece on display.

Despite the ravages of the Nigerian civil war on her original structures, Dengram has been constantly revamped and remains a major landmark adorning Onitsha. Resplendent in all her glory, she is quite a sight to behold.

The school was founded in 1925 by the Church Missionary Society (C.M.S), in memory of the Late Evangelist and Scholar; Archdeacon T.J. Dennis, who was responsible for the translation of the Bible to Igbo language.

Foundation Stone

The influence of this prestigious institution, unsurprisingly transcends her physical splendour, as Dengram has traditionally, raised spiritual and intellectual giants. In her over 90 years of existence, the school has transformed many lives, moulded and still moulding the best minds and true to her motto, turned on a light whose brilliance cannot be dimmed. The school Motto; “Lux Fiat” is Latin for “Show the Light”.

A distinguished place of learning, renown for academic excellence, Dengram remains an abiding testimony of the unquantifiable value of education in our society.

Here are the lyrics of our rousing Anthem, which never fails to inspire;

“Dengram we sing to you Lux Fiat

Dengram we bring to you faith untold

You challenge and inspire

Your hope is our desire

We sing to you, our alma mater Lux Fiat”

In this first of a series of posts, I will showcase the beautiful sights of my alma mater; Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha (Dengram).

Enjoy the splendid pictures of Dengram, taken on March 25th 2016 by our own Joey Ironbar of Class 91;

About Kene Okoye

A creative writer, banker, pianist, composer and music promoter, Kene documents events and presents his viewpoint in compelling narratives. He sets out to create vivid pictures with his intelligent use of words and seeks to engage, thrill, educate and inspire the reader.
Come on and enjoy yourself.

I beam with pride at the rich history and legacies Dengram has achieved in the world since it was founded. I can never wish to be part of any other institution of learning and character moulding. Thank you Kene. Lux fiat!